Seismic cable with adjustable buoyancy

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for a seismic cable is described. In one embodiment, a method for performing a seismic survey in a water column is described. The method comprises providing a length of flexible cable from a cable storage device disposed on a vessel to a cable handling device adjacent the cable storage device. The flexible cable comprises a specific gravity that is greater than a specific gravity of water in the water column. The method further comprises routing the flexible cable to pass adjacent a workstation disposed on the vessel, deploying a free end of the flexible cable into the water column, attaching at least one of a plurality of seismic sensor units to the cable as the cable passes the workstation, and controlling the motion of the vessel and the rotational speed of the cable handling device to allow the flexible cable to rest on the bottom of the water column.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/538,944, filed Jun. 29, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/203,803, filed Sep. 3, 2008, which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 8,226,328 on Jul. 24, 2012, each of the aforementionedapplications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for aseismic cable.

2. Description of the Related Art

Seismic exploration operations generally utilize a seismic energy sourceto generate an acoustic signal that propagates into the earth. Theacoustic signal is partially reflected by subsurface seismic reflectorsin the earth, which may include interfaces between subsurface lithologicor fluid layers that may be characterized by different elasticproperties. The reflected signals are detected and recorded by seismicreceiver units located at or near the surface of the earth, therebygenerating a seismic survey of the subsurface environment. The recordedsignals, or seismic energy data, can then be processed to yieldinformation relating to the lithologic subsurface formations,identifying such features, as, for example, lithologic subsurfaceformation boundaries.

Generally, the method for detection and recording of seismic signals issimilar on land and in marine environments; however, marine environmentspresent unique challenges presented by the body of water overlying theearth's surface. Seismic exploration operations in marine environmentsare typically conducted from the deck of one or more seismic explorationvessels, such as floating platforms or ships. The seismic explorationvessels typically provide storage and transportation for a plurality ofseismic receiver units and associated operational equipment. Seismicexploration in deep water typically uses seismic sensor units deployedfrom the deck of the seismic exploration vessel to be placed on or nearthe bottom of a body of water. These seismic sensor units are part ofsystems typically referred to as Ocean Bottom Cabling (OBC) or OceanBottom Seismometer (OBS) systems, wherein data from a seismic survey maybe received.

FIG. 1A is a schematic side view of a deployment operation from a vessel5 using a cable 1 as known in the art. In the deployment operation, thecable 1 is paid out over a backdeck 10 of the vessel 5 from a spool,sheave or pulley, powered or otherwise, such as a cable handling device15. The cable 1 includes a plurality of connectors 20 that must passthrough at least a portion of the cable handler 15. Seismic sensor units25 are coupled to the connectors 20 as the cable 1 passes over thebackdeck 10 by personnel onboard the vessel. In the deploymentoperation, the seismic sensor units 25 are coupled to the connectors 20by a lanyard 30, which may be a length of flexible rope, cable, orchain. The cable 1 with seismic sensor units 25 coupled thereto form amainline cable that falls to rest on or near a bottom 40 of a body ofwater 35 to form at least a portion of a seismic array. The mainlinecable may be many miles long and have over 200 seismic sensor units 25attached to the cable 1 at predetermined intervals. After one or moremainline cables are positioned on the bottom 40 to define the arrayalong the bottom 40, the seismic survey is performed.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a portion of a seismic cable 1 prior tocoupling with the seismic sensor units 25 of FIG. 1A. Each of theconnectors 20 typically include a body 45 that is larger than thediameter of the cable 1, and is configured to clamp or fasten to anouter surface of the cable 1. In some applications, the connectors 20may be made of or include a metallic material, which may create noiseduring the seismic survey. In other applications, the body 45 includesring-like or hook-like members 50 to facilitate quick connection anddisconnection of the seismic sensor units. The cable 1 may also includea plurality of discrete cable coupling devices 55 configured to connectends of cable sections to increase the overall length of the cable 1.After the seismic survey, the cable 1 and seismic sensor units areretrieved. During retrieval, the cable 1 is spooled or routed through awinch, reel or sheave, a pinch roller powered or otherwise, for example,the cable handler 15 of FIG. 1A, which pulls the cable 1 and seismicsensor units from the water. As the cable 1 passes over the deck of thevessel, the seismic sensor units 25 are detached from the cable 1 andthe cable 1 and seismic sensor units are stowed.

As the seismic cable 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B may be routed through acable handler during deployment and/or retrieval, the connectors 20and/or cable coupling devices 55 pose a risk of snagging, binding, ortangling the cable 1. In some cases, the ring-like or hook-like members50 protrude from the periphery of the body 45, which may snag, bind, ortangle the cable. Further, the ring-like or hook-like members 55 createthe risk of injury to personnel that may be in the vicinity of thecable, such as during a seismic sensor unit coupling and decouplingprocedure.

Another challenge when using the cable 1 lies in the accurate placementof seismic sensor units 25 on the bottom 40 during deployment. Theseismic survey typically entails advanced planning of the area of thebottom 40 to be explored, and placing the array typically requiresaccurate placement of the seismic sensor units 25 on the bottom 40according to the plan. The seismic sensor unit placement may bechallenged as the cable 1 is typically buoyant in seawater. The buoyancyof the cable 1 makes the sections between the connectors 20 vulnerableto currents and/or hydrodynamic forces, which may alter the fall orcause a drift of the mainline cable. The altered fall path may cause oneor more seismic sensor units 25 to drift from the intended locationalplacement on the bottom 40.

Therefore, a need exists for an improved seismic cable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method and apparatus for a seismic cable is described. In oneembodiment, a method for performing a seismic survey in a water columnis described. The method comprises providing a length of flexible cablefrom a cable storage device disposed on a vessel to a cable handlingdevice adjacent the cable storage device. The flexible cable comprises aspecific gravity that is greater than a specific gravity of water in thewater column. The method further comprises routing the flexible cable topass adjacent a workstation disposed on the vessel, deploying a free endof the flexible cable into the water column, attaching at least one of aplurality of seismic sensor units to the cable as the cable passes theworkstation, and controlling the motion of the vessel and the rotationalspeed of the cable handling device to allow the flexible cable to reston the bottom of the water column.

In another embodiment, a method for performing a seismic survey in awater column is described. The method comprises providing a first cablesegment and a second cable segment comprising a flexible cable from acable handling device disposed on the vessel, wherein the first cablesegment and the second cable segment are coupled by a connector thatprevents transmission of power and data signals between the first cablesegment and the second cable segment. The method further comprisesrouting the flexible cable to pass adjacent a workstation disposed onthe vessel, deploying a free end of the flexible cable into the watercolumn, attaching at least one of a plurality of seismic sensor units tothe cable as the cable passes the workstation, and controlling themotion of the vessel and the rotational speed of the cable handlingdevice to allow the flexible cable to rest on the bottom of the watercolumn.

In another embodiment, a method for performing a seismic survey in awater column is described. The method comprises providing a first cablesegment and a second cable segment comprising a flexible cable from acable handling device disposed on the vessel, wherein the first cablesegment and the second cable segment are coupled by a connector thatprevents transmission of power and data signals between the first cablesegment and the second cable segment and the flexible cable has aspecific gravity that is greater than a specific gravity of water in thewater column. The method further comprises routing the flexible cable topass adjacent a workstation disposed on the vessel, deploying a free endof the flexible cable into the water column, attaching at least one of aplurality of seismic sensor units to the cable as the cable passes theworkstation, and controlling the motion of the vessel and the rotationalspeed of the cable handling device to allow the flexible cable to reston the bottom of the water column.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the presentinvention can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference toembodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Itis to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1A (Prior Art) is a schematic side view of a deployment operationof a seismic cable from a marine vessel.

FIG. 1B (Prior Art) is a perspective view of a portion of a seismiccable.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cable connectorcoupling two cable segments.

FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of the cable connector shown inFIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a centralcoupling section.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a cable coupler.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a cable segment.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cable connectorcoupling two cable segments.

FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of the cable connector shown inFIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cable connectorcoupling two cable segments.

FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the cable connector shown inFIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the cable connector of FIGS. 6A and 6Bshowing articulations of a cable segment.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a portion of one embodiment of aconnector which includes a rotatable clamp.

FIG. 7B is a side view of the connector shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a side view of one embodiment of a rotatable clamp.

FIG. 8A is a schematic view of one embodiment of a seismic sensordeployment operation.

FIG. 8B is a schematic view of one embodiment a seismic sensor retrievaloperation.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in oneembodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments withoutspecific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein generally provide methods and apparatus fora seismic cable. In some embodiments, a connector is described forcoupling at least two free ends of the seismic cable. While embodimentsdescribed herein are exemplarily described in reference to a seismiccable, some embodiments may be used in other industries or applications.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a portion of one embodiment of asection 200 of a seismic cable. The section 200 of seismic cableincludes a first cable segment 210A and a second cable segment 210Bhaving ends coupled together by a connector 215. The connector 215includes a body 220 having a first end 222 and a second end 224 opposingthe first end 222. The first cable segment 210A and second cable segment210B have respective ends that terminate at the body 220. The body 220of the connector 215 also includes at least three coupling sections,shown as a central coupling section 225, a first coupling section 230Aand a second coupling section 230B. The first and second couplingsections 230A, 230B are coupled to respective ends of the centralcoupling section 225 and disposed in an opposing relationship andlongitudinally relative to the central coupling section 225. The centralcoupling section 225 may include a groove 240 formed radially in thebody 220. The groove 240 serves as a connection area for a node tether242. The node tether 242 may include a clamp device 245 and a length ofrope or flexible cable 247 that is adapted to couple to a node (shown inFIG. 8A). The clamp device 245 may be a D-ring, a carabineer clamp, or ashackle, among other securing devices. Alternatively, the node tether242 may be a length of rope or flexible cable adapted to loop orotherwise attach to the groove 240 at one end and attach to a node atanother end.

The body 220 is at least partially formed from a material chosen forstrength and durability. The material of the body 220 may also beselected to attenuate noise caused by connected hardware or otherexternal interactions. In one embodiment, the body 220 is made at leastpartially from a metallic material, such as aluminum. Additionally, thebody 220 may be coated with an electrically insulative material, and/ora sound insulating or noise attenuating material, such as an epoxycoating. In another embodiment, the body 220 is made at least partiallyof a high-strength polymeric material. In one embodiment, the connector215 isolates one cable segment 210A from adjacent cable segments 210Bwhile maintaining a physical connection between the cable segments 210A,210B. In another embodiment, the connector 215 isolates one cablesegment 210A from an adjacent cable segment 210B fluidly, electrically,optically, and combinations thereof while maintaining a physicalconnection between the cable segments 210A, 210B. For example, althoughthe cable segments may not be configured to transmit data or signals,the connector 215 isolates adjacent cable segments 210A, 210B in amanner that any signals or data that may be transmitted through or byone cable segment 210A is not communicated to an adjacent cable segment210B.

The connector 215 features a streamlined shape to minimize areas wherepersonnel could be injured as well as minimizing jagged or sharp cornersthat could lead to binding, snagging, or tangling of the section 200with machinery and/or personnel. Additionally, in one embodiment, thebody 220 is cylindrical and includes a first dimension, such as adiameter, and tapers to a second dimension, such as a diameter, that isabout equal to or slightly greater than a diameter of the cable segments210A, 210B. For example, each of the cable segments 210A, 210B may havean outside diameter of about 0.5 inches to about 0.8 inches, such asabout 0.75 inches. In this example, at least a portion of the centralcoupling section 225 may include a first diameter of about 3 inches toabout 2 inches, such as about 2.5 inches. The connector 215 furtherincludes tapered sections 250 that taper to a second diameter that isslightly larger than the diameter of the cable segments. In one example,the tapered sections transition to a diameter of between about 0.55inches to about 0.9 inches at the end adjacent the cable segments, forexample, 0.8 inches or larger. While the connector 215 is shown ascylindrical, other shapes may be used, such as oval shapes, rectangularshapes, triangular shapes, hex shapes, octagonal shapes, and othershapes that minimize sharp edges. For example, a substantiallytriangular shape could be used and the corners may be truncated,beveled, or rounded. The streamlined construction of the connector 215provides enhanced operation by eliminating or minimization of edges orareas that may snag, bind or tangle with portions of a cable section,personnel, or machinery. Moreover, the streamlined profile contributesto minimizing cable drift during a deployment operation.

FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of the connector 215 shown inFIG. 2A, wherein the first coupling section 230A and the second couplingsection 230B are detached from the central coupling section 225. In oneembodiment, the connector 215 is formed by a plurality of detachablecoupling members shown as cable couplers 260. Each of the cable couplers260 include a streamlined body having a first end with an outsidedimension that substantially matches the outside dimension of thecentral coupling section. The outside dimension tapers, slopes, or isrounded, at the end opposite the end that mates with the centralcoupling section 225, to a smaller dimension. Each of the cable couplers260 may include a threaded portion adapted to couple to the centralcoupling section 225. In this embodiment, each cable coupler 260 has athreaded end 262 adapted to couple to respective ends of the centralcoupling section 225, such as a first end 228A and an opposing end 228Bof the central coupling section 225.

Each end 228A, 228B of the central coupling section 225 includes a bore227 defining recesses with threaded portions 264A, 264B (only threadedportion 264A is shown) formed therein. The threaded portions 264A, 264Bmay be right hand threads or left hand threads. In one embodiment,threaded portion 264A of the first end 228A includes right handedthreads and the threaded portion of the opposing end 228B includes lefthanded threads such that the central coupling section 225 may couple toboth cable couplers 260 simultaneously in a turnbuckle fashion. In thisembodiment, the first threaded ends 262 of each cable coupler 260 wouldinclude appropriate right or left handed threads. The ends of the cablecouplers 260 may include an opening 272 sized larger than the outerdiameter of the cable segments 210A, 210B, which allows rotation of thecouplers 260 relative to the cable segment 210A, 210B. Thus, each cablecoupler 260 may include right or left handed threads to facilitaterotational coupling. Seals (not shown), such as washers may be providedin the opening 272 at the interface between the cable couplers 260 andthe cable segments. The washers may be configured to seal the interfacebetween the outer diameter of the cable segments 210A, 210B to preventor minimize the introduction of sand, water and/or debris into the cablecouplers 260.

The threaded portions disposed in the connector 215 may be appropriatelyrotated to mate at the respective interfaces and tightened to providesuitable coupling. Any of the sections 230A, 230B, 225 may furthercontain a tool interface 212 to aid in the tightening or loosening ofthe sections 230A, 230B, 225 from one another. An example of such a toolinterface 212 is a flat. Another example of a tool interface 212 is twoholes (only one is shown on section 230A) spaced apart at about 180°.The holes 212 may be adapted to couple with a spanner wrench or othertool adapted to provide rotation of section 230A. An adhesive may beapplied to the threaded portions to lock the threaded portions at therespective interfaces. The adhesive may be a pressure and/or heatsensitive adhesive. In one embodiment, adhesive may be applied to thethreaded portions and allowed to cure over time, and the adhesive may beheated in order to loosen the threaded connections to disassemble theconnector 215. Although the above embodiments have been described withthe cable couplers 260 disposed within the ends 228A, 228B of thecentral coupling section 225, it is contemplated that the connectionbetween the cable coupler 260 to the central coupling section 225 couldbe configured differently. For example, the cable coupler 260 could beof a larger diameter than the central coupling section 225. In thisexample the cable coupler 260 may have a recess with internal threadingconfigured to receive threading on an external portion of the centralcable coupling section 225.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a centralcoupling section 225. The central coupling section 225 includes acylindrical body 220 having a first end 228A and a second end 228B witha central section 228C therebetween. In one embodiment, the body 220includes a first diameter D₁ that tapers to a second diameter D₂ at eachend 228A, 228B that is smaller than the first diameter D₁. In oneembodiment, the central section 228C includes a first diameter D₁ ofabout 3 inches to about 2 inches, such as about 2.5 inches, and the body220 tapers to a second diameter D₂ between about 2.75 inches to about1.75 inches, such as about 2.25 inches. The body 220 also includes athird diameter D₃ that is smaller than the first diameter D₁ and seconddiameter D₂. In one embodiment, the third diameter D₃ is equal to orgreater than the diameter of the cable segments 210A, 210B. For example,the third diameter D₃ may be between about 0.75 inches to about 1.0inches, or larger. The reduced third diameter D₃ provides an attachmentpoint for a node as described above.

In one embodiment, the body 220 includes circumferential relievedportions 223 that transition the diameters D₂ and D₃ from the firstdiameter D₁. The circumferential relieved portions 223 may be chamfers,radii, or gradual sloping or tapered surfaces.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the cable coupler 260 shown in FIG.2B. In one embodiment, the cable coupler 260 comprises a hollow body andis configured to anchor terminating ends 300 of respective cablesegments 210A, 210B (cable segment 210B is shown in this view) therein.The terminating end 300 may be disposed through an opening 310 of thecable coupler 260 and into an interior bore 305. The terminating end 300may be maintained or anchored in the interior bore 305 by a suitablecable termination device or method. The cable segment 210B may beretained in the cable coupler 260 in a manner that allows or preventsrotation relative to the cable coupler 260. In one embodiment, aretainer 315 may be disposed about and coupled to the outer diameter ofthe terminating end 300. The retainer 315 is adapted to contact ashoulder 320 disposed in the bore 305 to hold the cable segment 2108 tothe cable coupler 260.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a cable segment210B. The cable segment 210B includes a hollow tubular core 405 disposedin an inner jacket 410. The inner jacket 410 is disposed inside astranded polymer core 415 that is covered with an outer jacket 420. Thecable segment 210B is strong enough to couple a plurality of seismicdevices along a length thereof. The cable segment 210B is highlyflexible to facilitate handling of the cable, for example, in reeling orspooling of the cable segment 210B. The cable segment 210B may also havea high tensile modulus with low-creep. In one embodiment, the cablesegment 2108 may include a break strength of about 20,000 pounds toabout 35,000 pounds, for example, between about 27,000 pounds to about32,000 pounds.

The stranded polymer core 415 of the cable segment 2108 may be made of afiber or yarn that may be braided to provide additional strength. In oneembodiment, the stranded polymer core 415 is made of an aromaticpolyamide fiber, for example, a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) material,such as a VECTRAN™ fiber or yarn. The outer jacket 420 may be made of apolyurethane material to protect the stranded polymer core 415 andfacilitate noise attenuation. The outer jacket 420 may also includeprotrusions 430 that are configured as raised ridges extending radiallyoutward from the outer jacket 420 to form channels therebetween. In oneembodiment, the protrusions 430 are disposed along the length of thecable segment and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cablesegment. The protrusions 430 are configured to provide increased dragand/or enhance hydrodynamic attributes of the cable. The cable segment210B includes a diameter D (measured at opposing ridges) between about0.70 inches to about 0.90 inches, for example 0.75 inches.

In one embodiment, the cable segment 210B is configured to have anadjustable buoyancy based on parameters set by the user. For example,the weight of the cable segment 210B may be adjusted to minimizebuoyancy and facilitate a faster fall or “sink” of the cable segment210B in water. In one embodiment, the specific gravity of the cablesegment 210B may be adjusted to be greater than the specific gravity ofseawater. In one embodiment, the cable segment 210B is configured toprovide an adjustable buoyancy metric of the cable segment 2108 that maysacrifice available real estate of the cable segment 2108 for additionalstrength. In this embodiment, the inner jacket 410 may be made of apolyurethane material configured as a flexible tube to facilitateseparation between the core 405 and the stranded polymer core 415. Forexample, the inner jacket 410 may surround the core 405 to form a void.In this embodiment, the core 405 may be empty or configured to contain amaterial 425 that facilitates additional buoyancy or provides additionalweight to the cable segment 210B. In one embodiment, the material 425may be a fluid, such as a gas or liquid. The fluid may be a liquid orgas that is chosen for buoyancy or weighting of the cable segment 210B.In one embodiment, the material 425 may be water, air, among other gasesor fluids configured to provide buoyancy to the cable segment 210B. Asanother example, the material 425 may be configured to provideadditional weight to the cable segment 210B to minimize buoyancy orcause the cable to sink. In one embodiment, the material 425 includes aflexible metallic material and/or a plurality of discrete particles 428of metallic material configured to provide weight and flexibility to thecable segment 210B.

In one embodiment, the material 425 includes a metallic material, suchas steel, or stainless steel, among other metals. The metallic materialmay be in the form of a wire or strip, or a plurality of discreteparticles 428 such as beads or pellets. In one embodiment, the material425 includes a lead (Pb) material. The lead material may be a wire or aplurality of discrete lead pieces, such as lead shot. In thisembodiment, material 425 is configured to provide additional weight tothe cable segment 210B without adding additional tensile strength to thecable segment 210B.

In one embodiment, the core 405 is provided with a lead (Pb) material toincrease the weight of the cable segment 210B. The cable segment 210Bhaving a core 405 according to this embodiment may have a weight in airbetween about 240 pounds per 1000 feet (lbs/Mft) to about 330 lbs/Mftand a weight in seawater of about 70 lb/Mft to about 92 lb/Mft,respectively. In one embodiment, the cable segment 210B having theaforementioned material includes a specific gravity greater thanseawater, for example, a specific gravity between about 1.25 to about1.6. In another embodiment, the cable segment 210B includes a specificgravity between about 1.35 to about 1.5, such as about 1.45.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a portion of a section 200 of a seismiccable having another embodiment of a connector 515. The connector 515includes a body 220 having at least three coupling sections, shown as acentral coupling section 225, a first coupling section 530A and a secondcoupling section 530B, the first and second coupling sections 530A, 530Bdisposed in an opposing relationship and laterally or longitudinallyrelative to central coupling section 225. In this embodiment, theconnector 515 facilitates rotation of the cable segments 210A, 210B.Specifically, the connector 515 includes a rotatable interface providedby one or both of the central coupling section 225 and first and secondcoupling sections 530A, 530B.

FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of the connector 515 shown inFIG. 5A, wherein the first coupling section 530A and second couplingsection 530B are detached from the central coupling section 225. In oneembodiment, the connector 515 is formed by a plurality of detachablecoupling members shown as cable couplers 560 at opposing ends of theconnector 515. Each cable coupler 560 has a first threaded end 562A thatis adapted to couple to threads 564 of respective ends of the centralcoupling section 225, such as a first end 228A and an opposing end 228Bof the central coupling section 225.

In this embodiment, the connector 515 includes a rotatable connection500 disposed on opposing ends of the connector 515. The rotatableconnection 500 includes a circular member or ball 505 that is disposedbetween each cable coupler 560 and the central coupling section 225. Theball 505 may be at least partially disposed in a recess, such as socket510, formed by a bore in the first end 228A and second end 228B (onlyfirst end 228A is shown in this view) of the central coupling section225. The ball 505 is adapted to couple to a terminating end of each ofthe cable segments 210A, 210B by a suitable technique. In one example,the ball 505 is attached to the terminating end of each of the cablesegments 210A, 210B by a swage, crimp, an adhesive, potting, or othermanner. In one embodiment, each of the terminating ends of the cablesegments 210A, 210B are potted with an epoxy compound within the ball505. The ball 505 may also include a relief, such as a flat 515 thatallows rotation of the ball 505 while limiting or eliminatingarticulation of the cable segments 210A, 210B. The ball 505 is adaptedto contact an arcuate bearing surface 535 disposed on an inner surfaceof each cable coupler 560, which allows the ball 505 to rotate relativeto each cable coupler 560 along the central axis of the connector 515while preventing rotation along other axes. Each of the cable couplers560 may also include an opening 503 adapted to receive the outerdiameter of the cable segments 210A, 2108. Each of the openings 503 maybe sized to allow rotation of the cable segments 210A, 210B whilelimiting articulation or bending of the cable segment 210A, 2108relative to each cable coupler 560.

The ball 505 is adapted to rotate relative to the connector 515 torelieve torsional forces that may be encountered by each of the cablesegments 210A, 210B. In one embodiment, each cable segment 210A, 210B isadapted to rotate 360°. Rotation of the ball 505 may be also be adjustedto allow or limit rotation of the cable segments 210A, 210B. In oneembodiment, the adjustment may be provided by tightening or looseningthe interface between the cable couplers 560 and the central couplingsection 225. For example, rotation may be minimized by tightening thecable couplers 560 against the central coupling section 225. To promoterotation, the cable couplers 560 may be loosened. In another example,stops (not shown) may be provided on one or both of the ball 505 andsocket 510. Seals, such as washers 520, 525 may be provided at theinterface between the ball 505 and central coupling section 225 andcable coupler 560. The washers may be made from a fluorocarbon material,for example a TEFLON® material, and may additionally include a backingmade of an aluminum/bronze material. The washers 520, 525 may be wiperseals adapted to minimize introduction of seawater, sand, or debris intothe rotatable connection 500.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a portion of a section 200 of a seismiccable having another embodiment of a connector 615. The connector 615includes a body 220 having at least three coupling sections, shown as acentral coupling section 225, a first coupling section 630A and a secondcoupling section 630B. The first and second coupling sections 630A, 630Bdisposed in an opposing relationship or longitudinally relative tocentral coupling section 225. In this embodiment, the connector 615facilitates both rotation and articulation of the cable segments 210A,210B. Specifically, the connector 615 includes a rotatable andarticulatable interface provided by one or both of the central couplingsection 225 and first and second coupling sections 630A, 630B.

FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the connector 615 shown inFIG. 6A, wherein the first coupling section 630A and second couplingsection 630B are detached from the central coupling section 225. In oneembodiment, the connector 615 is formed by a plurality of detachablecoupling members shown as cable couplers 660 at opposing ends of theconnector 615. Each cable coupler 660 has a first threaded end 662A thatis adapted to couple to threads 664 of respective ends of the centralcoupling section 225, such as a first end 228A and an opposing end 228Bof the central coupling section 225.

In this embodiment, the connector 615 includes a rotatable andarticulatable connection 600 disposed on opposing ends of the connector615. The rotatable and articulatable connection 600 includes a circularmember or ball 505 that is disposed between each cable coupler 660 andthe central coupling section 225. The ball 505 may be at least partiallydisposed in a recess, such as socket 610, formed by a bore in the firstend 228A and second end 228B (only first end 228A is shown in this view)of the central coupling section 225. The ball 505 as adapted to coupleto a terminating end of each of the cable segment 210A, 210B by asuitable technique. In one example, the ball 505 is attached to theterminating end of each of the cable segments 210A, 210B by a swage,crimp, an adhesive, potting, or other bond. The ball 505 may be made ofstainless steel, with a polished surface to minimize friction. The ball505 is adapted to contact an arcuate bearing surface 635 disposed on aninner surface of the cable coupler 660, which allows rotation along thecentral axis of the connector 615 and articulation of the cable segments210A, 210B relative to the central axis of the connector 615. Washers520, 525 may be provided at the interface between the ball 505 andcentral coupling section 225 and cable coupler 660. The washers 520, 525may be wiper seals adapted to minimize introduction of seawater, sand,or debris into the rotatable connection 600. Alternatively, openings(not shown) may be formed in the body 220 of the connector 615 to allowsand, water, or debris to be washed out of the interior of the body 220.Each of the cable couplers 660 may also include an opening 603 adaptedto receive the outer diameter of the cable segments 210A, 210B and allowrotation and articulation of the cable segments 210A, 210B relative toeach cable coupler 660.

The rotatable and articulatable connection 600 provides independentrotation and/or bending of the cable segments 210A, 210B relative to thebody 220 of the connector 615. The articulating feature is provided toincrease cable lifetime by reducing flex fatigue from factors such asinequality in seismic sensor weight, turbulence from water, andpass-through of the cable segments 210A, 2108 through a cable handlingdevice.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a portion of the connector 615 shown inFIG. 6A. The ball 505 is adapted to rotate relative to the connector 615to relieve torsional forces that may be encountered by each of the cablesegments 210A, 210B. Additionally, the cable segments 210A, 210B (onlysegment 210B is shown) may bend or pivot angularly relative to the body220 of the connector 615. In one embodiment, the body 220 includes alongitudinal axis 620 and the cable segment 2108 includes a centerline621. The ball 505 allows the centerline 621 of the cable 210B to bemoved to an angle α relative to the longitudinal axis 620. In oneembodiment, the angle α is between 0° and 45° Rotation and/orarticulation of the ball 505 or cable segment 210B may be adjusted toallow or limit rotation and/or bending of the cable segments 210A, 210B.In one embodiment, the adjustment may be provided by tightening orloosening the interface between the cable couplers 660 and the centralcoupling section 225. For example, rotation may be minimized bytightening the cable couplers 660 against the central coupling section225. To promote rotation, the cable couplers 660 may be loosened. Inanother example, stops (not shown) may be provided on one or both of theball 505 and socket 510. Articulation may be adjusted by the size of theopening 603. For example, the diameter of the opening may be chosen tofunction as a stop for the cable segment 210B.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, ofa portion of one embodiment of a connector 715 which includes arotatable clamp 700 disposed on a central coupling section 225. Theconnector 715 may be any of the connectors 215, 515 and 615 as describedabove. In this embodiment, the rotatable clamp 700 includes a swivelportion 705 and an attachment ring 710 coupled by a neck 725. The swivelportion 705 is configured to be easily coupled within the groove 240 andis rotatable relative to the groove 240 and/or the connector 715. Theattachment ring 710 is configured as an attachment point for a node(shown as 809 in FIGS. 8A and 8B). In one example, the attachment ring710 may serve as an attachment point for a node tether 242 and/or aclamp device 245 as described in FIG. 2A. In one embodiment, theattachment ring 710 is shaped as a D-ring and may be discontinuous orinclude a gap 720 to define a split ring.

In this embodiment, an outer dimension 730 of the swivel portion 705 issubstantially circular and transitions to the neck 725. The circularportion of the outer dimension 730 may define a diameter D₄ that isequal to or slightly smaller than an outer diameter D₁ of the centralcoupling section 225. In the embodiment shown, the swivel portion 705and attachment ring 710 are coupled together at a normal angle such thatthe plane of the attachment ring 710 is aligned with the longitudinaldirection of the cable segments (not shown in this view). Alternatively,the planes of the swivel portion 705 and attachment ring 710 may beshared such that the swivel portion 705 and attachment ring 710 arecoplanar (not shown).

FIG. 7C is a side view of one embodiment of a rotatable clamp 700, whichincludes a swivel portion 705 coupled to a neck 725 and disposedorthogonally to an attachment ring 710. In this embodiment, the swivelportion 705 is configured as a split ring which includes a first portion740 and a second portion 750 adapted to provide attachment to theconnector 715. Each portion 740, 750 are adapted to mate and coupletogether using at least one fastener, such as a bolt, screw, pins, alatch and the like. In this embodiment, the first portion 740 includesthreaded holes 742 adapted to receive threaded portions of bolts 755that are disposed through the second portion 750. Although not shown,other fastening devices may be used. As an example, one side of theswivel portion 705 may include a hinge at the interface between thefirst portion 740 and the second portion 750. In this example, a quickrelease latch, a lever-type latch or other fastening device may bedisposed on the opposing side of the swivel portion 705 from the hingesuch that the swivel portion 705 may be quickly attached to, and/ordetached from, the connector 715. The rotatable clamp 700 may be made ofa metallic material or a durable plastic material. In one embodiment,the rotatable clamp 700 is made of a stainless steel material.

An exemplary operational sequence of deploying and retrieving seismicsensors coupled to cable segments at connectors 215 is now describedwith reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. While the operational sequences aredescribed using the connectors 215, the connectors 215 may be replacedwith or used in combination with any of the connectors 515, 615 and 715as described above. The seismic sensors as described herein may includeseismic devices used in Ocean Bottom Cabling (OBC) or Ocean BottomSeismometer (OBS) systems. One type of seismic device includes aself-contained ocean bottom sensor unit, sometimes referred to as aSeafloor Seismic Recorder (SSR), which is configured to receive, record,and store seismic data. SSR's are typically detachably coupled to alength of rope or cable during deployment and retrieval operations. Anexample of a self-contained ocean bottom sensor unit is described inU.S. Pat. No. 7,310,287, which issued Dec. 18, 2007, and is incorporatedherein by reference. The seismic sensor units as described herein may beused in OBS systems or OBC systems and are collectively referred toherein after as nodes for ease of description.

FIG. 8A is a schematic view of one embodiment of a node (i.e., sensor)deployment operation 800A. A vessel 805 is positioned on a body of water808 to deploy nodes 809 from a backdeck 815 of the vessel 805 into awater column 820. Other deployment locations from the vessel 805 mayalternatively be used. The power and/or momentum of the vessel 805 maybe used to assist in paying out a cable 825A, which is comprised of oneor more cable sections 810A-810F to which nodes 809 are attached. Inthis example, a plurality of nodes 809 are coupled to a non-rigid cable825A by a tether 247. The cable 825A may be routed through a cablehandler 860, which may be a spool, pulley, or sheave that may be poweredor include a frictional device to control the pay-out and/or tension ofthe cable 825B during deployment. The cable 825A having the nodes 809coupled thereto form a mainline cable 825B that is deployed into thewater column 820. In one embodiment, a free end 835 of the mainlinecable 825B is attached to an anchor device 840. The free end 835 mayalso be coupled to a flotation or buoyancy device 865 that may beselectively actuated to assist in locating and/or retrieving the cable825B.

As the cable 825A is routed over the backdeck 815, the cable 825A passesa workstation 845 where nodes 809 may be attached to the cable 825A toform the mainline cable 825B. In one example, the nodes 809 are attachedindividually and sequentially to the cable 825A by personnel onboard thevessel 805, or by a suitable mechanical device, as the cable 825A passesthe workstation 845. The mainline cable 825B sinks to a resting positionon or near a floor 830 of the water column 820. Additional mainlinecables may be deployed to form an array of nodes 809 along the floor830. For example, additional mainline cables 825B may be deployed toform multiple lines or rows of mainline cables 825B along the floor 830.Once the mainline cable 825B is positioned on or near the floor 830, aseismic survey may be performed by initiating a seismic source signaland recording the reflected signals from the source.

Upon completion of the seismic survey, the mainline cable 825B may beretrieved from the water column 820. In one embodiment, the buoyancydevice 865 is actuated to bring a free end 835 near the surface of thewater column 820 where personnel on the vessel 805 may acquire andsecure the mainline cable 825B.

FIG. 8B is a schematic view of one embodiment a node retrieval operation800B using a vessel 105. The vessel 805 has a stern 850 and a bow 855.In this example, the mainline cable 825B is retrieved over the stern 850of the vessel 805 as the bow 855 of the vessel travels over the mainlinecable 825B disposed on the floor 830 in the general direction toward theanchor device 840. The “over the stern” retrieval method uses the watercolumn 820 to reduce dragging, excess tensioning and/or pulling of thecable 825B across the floor 830 as the cable 825B is retrieved.

In one embodiment, the mainline cable 825B is retrieved using a cablehandler 860, which may be a winch or a power block, a powered reel,pulley or sheave device. During retrieval, the mainline cable 825B isrouted across a portion of the workstation 845 of the vessel 805. As themainline cable 825B passes by the workstation 845, nodes 809 aredetached from the cable 825A. In one embodiment, the nodes 809 aredetached by personnel on the vessel 805 or suitable mechanical device ator near the workstation 845. After the nodes 809 are detached, the nodes809 are stowed in a storage device and serviced, if necessary. In oneembodiment, the nodes 809 are routed to a storage device where data iscollected, batteries are charged, and general servicing, such as qualitycontrol and/or the maintenance may be performed.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the invention, otherand further embodiments of the invention may be devised withoutdeparting from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof isdetermined by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for performing a seismic survey in awater column, the method comprising: providing a length of flexiblecable from a cable storage device disposed on a vessel to a cablehandling device adjacent the cable storage device; wherein the flexiblecable comprises a specific gravity that is greater than a specificgravity of water in the water column; routing the flexible cable to passadjacent a workstation disposed on the vessel; deploying a free end ofthe flexible cable into the water column; attaching at least one of aplurality of seismic sensor units to the cable as the cable passes theworkstation; and controlling the motion of the vessel and the rotationalspeed of the cable handling device to allow the flexible cable to reston the bottom of the water column.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theflexible cable comprises: a plurality of discrete cable segments coupledby a connector that prevents transmission of power and data signalsbetween adjacent cable segments.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein eachcable segment comprises: an inner jacket defining a hollow core; ametallic material disposed within the hollow core; a braided fibersurrounding the inner jacket; and an outer jacket circumferentiallysurrounding the braided fiber;
 4. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising: attaching a tether between the connector and the at leastone seismic sensor unit.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:retrieving the flexible cable from the water column.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the flexible cable is retrieved over a bow of thevessel.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the vessel is moved toward thefree end of the flexible cable during the retrieving.
 8. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the flexible cable is retrieved over a stern of thevessel.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the vessel is moved toward thefree end of the flexible cable during the retrieving.
 10. A method forperforming a seismic survey in a water column, the method comprising:providing a first cable segment and a second cable segment comprising aflexible cable from a cable handling device disposed on the vessel,wherein the first cable segment and the second cable segment are coupledby a connector that prevents transmission of power and data signalsbetween the first cable segment and the second cable segment; routingthe flexible cable to pass adjacent a workstation disposed on thevessel; deploying a free end of the flexible cable into the watercolumn; attaching at least one of a plurality of seismic sensor units tothe cable as the cable passes the workstation; and controlling themotion of the vessel and the rotational speed of the cable handlingdevice to allow the flexible cable to rest on the bottom of the watercolumn.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the first cablesegment and the second cable segment comprises a specific gravity thatis greater than a specific gravity of water in the water column.
 12. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising: retrieving the flexible cablefrom the water column.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the flexiblecable is retrieved over a bow of the vessel.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the vessel is moved toward the free end of the flexible cableduring the retrieving.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the flexiblecable is retrieved over a stern of the vessel.
 16. The method of claim15, wherein the vessel is moved toward the free end of the flexiblecable during the retrieving.
 17. A method for performing a seismicsurvey in a water column, the method comprising: providing a first cablesegment and a second cable segment comprising a flexible cable from acable handling device disposed on the vessel, wherein the first cablesegment and the second cable segment are coupled by a connector thatprevents transmission of power and data signals between the first cablesegment and the second cable segment and the flexible cable has aspecific gravity that is greater than a specific gravity of water in thewater column; routing the flexible cable to pass adjacent a workstationdisposed on the vessel; deploying a free end of the flexible cable intothe water column; attaching at least one of a plurality of seismicsensor units to the cable as the cable passes the workstation; andcontrolling the motion of the vessel and the rotational speed of thecable handling device to allow the flexible cable to rest on the bottomof the water column.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:retrieving the flexible cable from the water column.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the flexible cable is retrieved over a bow of thevessel.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the flexible cable isretrieved over a stern of the vessel.